Friday, March 28, 2014

Product Review: Bobbie Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base

While I was getting a lipstick from the Bobbie Brown counter at Saks, the makeup artists tried on some foundation on me and applied this Vitamin Enriched Face Base prior. And like any other trials at the beauty counters,both the foundation and face cream felt flawless, looked dewy and gave me full coverage. I asked for a sample because its citrusy smell lured me in and I didn't think much about it till my sample ran out on Wednesday---I can't live without this moisturizer! And let me tell you the reasons why:
1) I'm always layering skincare (you know, putting on face serum first, then my moisturizer and then my sunscreen) morning and night.Guess what though? This moisturizer has primer built in so your skin will look fresh all day long in one step.
2) My skin is oily combination so any moisturizer that has shea butter as an ingredient freaks me out----except this one! I love that a little goes a long way with this product and how cushiony soft my face felt after applying it. Tip: Really massage moisturizer into your face. Your makeup will last longer and your skin will actually reap the benefits in your moisturizer.
3) I'm a sucker for citrus smelling products. The natural grapefruit and geranium in this face cream is going to be the ultimate pick-up on a Monday morning and I can't get enough of it.
Bobbie Brown has just named curvaceous & gorgeous Sports Illustrated model, Kate Upton, as their new beauty ambassador.
4) It's got Vitamins C & E, Vitamin C is a time machine for wrinkles and Vitamin E " when combined with vitamin C, can act as a natural form of sun protection," explains Dr. Broumand. "Vitamin E works to block free radicals from the body, which play a large part in the aging process. If we can fight off free radicals, then we can reduce wrinkles and keep the skin youthful-looking." Sign me up for that too! (Source: Vitamin E Oil: Why You Should Use On Your Body With Caution)
So next time you visit Saks, try to get a sample of this indulgent face cream and let me know if you love it as much as I do!
Stay Beautiful!

Friday, March 21, 2014

Get Pretty at Your Desk

I spend more time than I want to in front of a computer, sitting at a desk, so selfies and applying a full face of make-up are totally off limits. But, there are some things you can do at your desk to freshen up and stay pretty throughout the day.
These are some products I always keep in my drawer and are totally office friendly, even if my manager pops their head in to say hi!
Such an indulgent beauty elixir spray for your face! Ingredients include orange, rosemary and mint. One spray over my makeup or after applying moisturizer will make your face glow. Oh, and don't forget to spray midday at the office. A total pick-me-up.(Available in travel size)
BareMinerals: this is my favorite mess-free packaging ever! Perfect for after applying your beauty elixir. Touch up your nose, forehead and chin in a snap with the built in brush without any of your coworkers noticing!
My favorite discovery ever at Target. These Pacifica hand wipes are filled with a vanilla-coconut hydrating lotion & they also clean your hands! Genius! They smell yummy too.
Last but certainly not least, this cuticle serum by Julep will love your ctuicles, and keep them looking tidy and healthy. One click of the tube and it's enough for one hand. I apply two times a day for optimal results.
Ready to stock up your office drawer!? These neat office-friendly beauty products are available at Sephora and the Pacifica Hand Lotion wipes are available at Target.
Stay beautiful!

The Whole Life Challenge

Beauty is health. That's a motto we should all try to live by because if we feel good we are going to look good. This is not a new year's resolution it's a Whole Life Challenge; the challenge of making the right lifestyle and food decisions for life and slowly but surely knowing it will show in the glow of your skin, the weight you will lose and the energy that will overcome every activity you pursue.
Berries, alomnd milk, plain greek yogurt, and matcha green tea for energy and natural electrolytes
When my friend Pili suggested I join the Whole Life Challenge I agreed because I have been on a personal trainer since last August and attending many fun 5Ks in an effort to make fitness part of my life anyway so I had so much to gain, like cyber-support from new friends on my fitness team. The Whole Life Challenge has rules (to live by, I promise they are not drastic), a list of YES and NO Foods (I printed mine out and pasted it on my fridge!) and a team who cheers you on. Even though it's a 56 day challenge it is aimed to changing your lifestyle habits for life.
I have also been eating 1/3 of my plate at restaurants and really watching what I eat. I stopped drinking milk and switched to Almond milk (regular and skim milk have 18g of sugar per serving and almond milk only has 1g), I started taking protein rich smoothies and flaxseed after or before workouts, I've been working out 3-4 times a week with a trainer and trying to drink as much water as possible (making icy cold green tea helps me drink a lot more water!). I even got a Ninja Blender to make delicious smoothies (check out this post for one of my favorites) and some very colorful workut clothes that make me feel pumped up when I'm working out (is this a girl thing?).
At the colorful Graffiti Run, which is a 5k with a splash of color. A great excuse to exercise and have fun!
If you're not ready for almond milk (it tastes so good though), use coconut water and blend with berries or watermelon and add the matcha green tea powder for a natural caffeine boost!
Feeling better in my clothes is priceless. I don't feel bloated anymore and I feel healthier and more attractive, I even wear less make-up and focus more on skincare (which, for those who really know is is impressive because as a beauty junkie and beauty blogger, I highly enjoy putting all of my face on every morning!)Now, I enjoy taking my make-up off to hit the gym, like in the selfie below.
A Video Summary of The Whole Life Challenge